CSR: Educational Project in Panama

ASSISTING IN THE RENOVATION OF A LOCAL SCHOOL BUILDING

There are schools in Panama, Bocas del Toro that are in need of renovation. EcoCircuitos together with APTSO.org are donating needed funds to schools, but there is still a lot to do. An EcoCircuitos volunteer vacation activity would be very welcome to finish ongoing school renovation projects.

Volunteer Activity:

Group participants will work together with students, teachers and representatives in specific renovation projects and support with workshops focusing on recycling, garbage management and other requested areas of expressed interest. Group members will be divided into small groups to share their experiences and skills with the students and staff. Some activities may include painting, arranging doors, bathrooms, planting trees or flowers, supporting the teacher in needed areas. Donations are also welcome, needed items include computers, footballs, chairs, desks, lamps and classrooms materials.

Meet Multigrado Teacher Raquel Perez from Bocas del Toro.  Help us help her!

Donations to http://www.aptso.org  info@aptso.org or directly to the school with supplies.

Volunteer vacation in Mount Totumas Private Reserve

Sample Itinerary (subject to change according to group preferences)

 Day 1: Panama City – Arrive in Panama City. A representative of EcoCircuitos will meet you at the airport and transfer to a hotel in Panama City. Check in and overnight at Marriott Finisterre or similar.

Day 2: Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Reserve – At the appropriate time you will be transferred to the Domestic Airport in Albrook for your flight to David (approximately 1 hour flight time), located in the Chiriquí Province west of Panama City. You will be met by an EcoCircuitos representative that will transfer you to the town of Volcan located to the west of Volcano Baru. Before beginning the next part of your adventure you have lunch at a local gourmet restaurant, Cerro Brujo.

After lunch you will be met by your local host to begin your journey to Mount Totumas, it will take you at least 2 hours to reach your destination nestled in the middle of a 400 acre private reserve First you will proceed on paved road to a windy dirt road crossing small streams until the final kilometers where you will go up a 4WD road to reach your destination. Admire the views from road and keep your eyes out for wildlife. Once you arrive you will learn about the lodge and go for a short afternoon hike to get oriented with the reserve. Overnight at Mount Totumas, (B, L, D)

 Day 3 – 6: Volunteer and Experiential Learning- During these days you will learn more about the reserve and assist in the daily activities; this may consist of trail maintenance, working in the greenhouse or with other agricultural activities. Any special skills that can contribute to the reserve are welcome. This amazing experience faraway from civilization is a once in a life time experience, enjoy the peace and beauty of the Chiriqui Highlands.

Day 7: Return to Panama City – Today prepare your backpack to return to Panama City. You will have the afternoon to relax and explore Panama City’s downtown. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at Marriott Finisterre or similar (B,L,D)

 Day 8: Departure –  After breakfast, transfer to international airport for your flight out.

For details of prices contact us directly.  annie@ecocircuitos.com

 

 

 

 

 

Volunteer Vacation in Santa Fe, Darien

Santa Fe in Darien is a place that will impact your life. Volunteer abroad with EcoCircuitos Panama and work side-by-side with local community in the Darien and experience a diverse culture in the last frontier of Panama. This inspiring experience will help you in your future career and goals. It’s the experience of a lifetime. You’ll gain new perspectives and insight into the culture and yourself.

Highlights: In the Community of Santa Fe in Darien, around five hours by car from Panama City you will be working an a new organic farm that is trying to promote and market their products in Panama City and other regions. The Community Center in Santa Fe del Darien that owns 6 hectares of farmland and 40 hectares of protected land. The community is very conservative, traditional and in the small town of Santa Fe respect and reputation are of high importance. We will strive to integrate with the community, maintaining the local culture and learning from the local campesino and indigenous people; volunteers in this program should take a serious approach to volunteering and blending in with the local community.

Sharing with the children of Casa Esperanza

Christmas is the season for sharing.  The EcoCircuitos team recently participated in a beautiful celebration with the children of Casa Esperanza and had the opportunity to donate  gifts to a group of amazing children and see their smiles!

Karla Duque from EcoCircuitos while donating gifts to 75 children in Casa Esperanza

EcoCircuitos has been involve in Responsible Tourism in Panama for many years and believes in supporting different organizations by collaborating with community development and conservation activities.  Casa Esperanza support children of extreme poverty in Panama by giving them education and a home. EcoCircuitos donates to different national organizations such as Casa Esperanza in Panama.

You can support Casa Esperanza by:
• Helping local schools provide educational material and supplies – currently we are searching for funding to install a sidewalk in Darién. The lack of one currently poses a major hazard to children walking alongside the road to school. Contact us for a complete school wish list.
• Sponsor a child’s education through the scholarship program.
• Buy plants to be reforested in a biological corridor- visit local farms in the communities that neighbor a private reserve  and help plant native trees on the property that promotes environmental education and sustainable development. If you like, you can help plant the tree yourself or even better, invite a local school to join you.